Ependymoma physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmad Al Maradni, M.D. [2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Patients with ependymoma usually appear well. Physical examination of patients with ependymoma is usually remarkable for altered mental status, spasticity, and muscle weakness.

Physical Examination[edit | edit source]

Common physical examination findings of ependymoma include:^[1]

Neurological[edit | edit source]

• Altered mental status
• Ataxia
• Focal neurological deficits
  • Corticospinal tract defect
    • Spasticity
    • Hyperreflexia
    • Loss of the ability to perform fine movements
    • Extensor plantar response (Babinski sign present)
  • Spinocerebellar tract defect
  • Cranioneuropathies

Musculoskeletal[edit | edit source]

• Muscle weakness
• Bladder dysfunction
• Low back pain

References[edit | edit source]

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